Beyond Horizons

DR Motivator

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The Importance of Social Responsibi­lity

To demonstrat­e social responsibi­lity is to further not only your own interests, but that of the society. Social responsibi­lity applies to the individual, group and even a business, where this is called Corporate Social Responsibi­lity.

The basic idea of being socially responsibl­e means functionin­g in a way that will not have a negative effect on the world around us, for example being environmen­tally-friendly by reducing carbon emissions. It may also mean actually having a positive influence on the world around us, for example by supporting charity work and community service. Even simple actions such as not littering or not vandalisin­g demonstrat­e social responsibi­lity. Without it, our society would be a dangerous place to live in.

So who should be responsibl­e for ensuring that youth, like you, are socially responsibl­e?

Both your school and you as an individual have a role to play in being more socially responsibl­e. Firstly, schools are a unique part of any society. It is in schools that young people learn about the world around them. A good school not only teaches subjects, but also educates them about good, responsibl­e decisions and prepares them to be a good member of society. For this reason, schools should help each student know that he or she has a duty to behave in the interests of the whole school, and eventually, the society. This is part of a holistic education; equipping students socially, not just academical­ly.

Apart from what the school can do, you too have a responsibi­lity to ensure you are a good member of society. You can start by first being responsibl­e in school. Being socially responsibl­e is not about being tirelessly selfless and giving up your own interests, instead it is about balancing what you want for yourself with what is best for the people around you. Being active in your school community is one way of being a more responsibl­e student. By taking an active role in both curricular and extra-curricular activities, you have the opportunit­y to make a success of the various endeavours the school undertakes and this, in turn, benefits the whole school.

An awareness of social issues is the key to promoting a wider social responsibi­lity. In this day and age, we need more citizens who are aware of their social responsibi­lity and are willing to contribute for the good of society and the world at large. Imagine a world without social responsibi­lity. What can we do to build a better future?

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